#1: Energy bills that are higher than necessary
By looking at your energy bills over the past few years, you can determine if your home is under-insulated, especially if you have blow-in insulation in your attic. You may be in need of new insulation if your costs have steadily increased over time and your thermal protection has become less effective over time.
The change in your insulation’s ability to regulate comfortable temperatures may have happened so slowly that you didn’t notice, but going over your energy bills can help you spot a pattern. If this is the case, you should invest in more insulation.
#2: High-Temperature Variations Between Rooms
If the temperature changes dramatically from room to room when you move from one room to another, your home has lost its thermal efficiency and is now under-insulated. The only exception is if you have a window open in one room and not the other.
Generally speaking, however, your house should be fairly consistent throughout. When you notice a large difference in temperature, you may need to re-insulate your home.
#3: Cold Drafts
Have you ever been in a room with the doors and windows closed, yet felt a cool breeze? Generally speaking, this occurs when there is a gap between the door and window frames.
It is a great idea to insulate the frames of doors and windows with either sheets or spray insulation. Your home will be more energy efficient with these areas sealed off.
#4: High Fluctuations in Temperature
Does your home’s temperature change a lot when the weather changes outside? The changing climate can cause extreme temperature changes in a house without insulation.
It’s time to consider adding insulation to your home if the weather outside has a major impact on its temperature.
#5: Cold Floors, Ceilings and Walls
The structure is the first line of defense against external weather conditions penetrating a home. It’s a surefire sign that your home is under-insulated when your floors, ceilings and walls feel cold to the touch. They should feel dry and comfortable.
Alternatively, your external walls should be cool, as excellent insulation keeps your home warm. It might be time to insulate your flooring, ceilings, and walls.
#6: Frozen Pipes
Having an under-insulated home in an area that can reach freezing temperatures will likely result in frozen pipes. Not only will you experience low water pressure, but you may also experience frozen pipes.
Damage can be caused by frozen pipes bursting. Surely, you are under-insulating your home if your pipes are freezing over. It’s time to increase your insulation.
#7: Water leaks in The Attic
Water puddles in your attic indicate a leak. There are a variety of reasons for this, but poor insulation is likely to be a contributing factor. The same way that poor insulation lets heat escape from a house, it also allows water to enter. An attic leak might indicate that you need new insulation.
#8: Ice Dams on The Roof
Most people who live in cold climates are familiar with ice dams. In an ice dam, the heat from your home escapes through the roof and starts to melt the snow on top. When the snow (now liquid) slides down the roof, it will turn into ice dams, which are essentially oversized icicles as it is released into the atmosphere. You probably need to upgrade the insulation around your gutters and eaves if you see these.
#9: Mice and Bugs on Your Property
Seeing mice or a lot of bugs on your property can be pretty shocking. Rodents naturally attract your attention if they are spotted. In most cases, mice and bugs enter your property through gaps in the door and window frames. This can happen without insulation.
Insulate these areas of your home if you see mice or bugs. In addition to maintaining a pest-free home, you will also keep internal temperatures at a comfortable level.
#10: Home Stays Cold Regardless of Heater Being On
When you turn on the heater in winter, is it still not enough to keep you warm? If so, your house is probably underinsulated. In addition to good insulation, heaters should not be expected to carry the entire load by themselves.
#11: Home Gets Excessively Hot in Summer
Are you experiencing extreme heat in your home during the summer? The foil insulation you need will reflect heat rays away from your home and back into the atmosphere. If you’re boiling when the temperature rises, you might want to upgrade the insulation in your home.
You now have the knowledge you need to determine whether or not you need new insulation for your home. There are eleven clear indicators that indicate whether or not your home is underinsulated. Call us today for more information about insulation, how to acquire it, and how it will benefit you.